What's behind our wagon Ratings?

The Highs, Lows, and Overall Rating refer to the model and trim line that we tested. A model earns the "CR Recommended" label by Consumer Reports when it has performed well in our tests, our subscriber -survey data indicate that it should be at least average in reliability, and has performed at least adequately in any government and/or insurance-industry crash tests or government rollover test, if tested. There are several reasons why a model would have no designation: It wasn't tested recently; it didn't test well; it did poorly in a crash test or tip-up in the rollover test; it has a below-average reliability record; it'S too new to have reliability data; or we have insufficeint reliability data.

Predicted Reliability

Predicted reliability is our forecast of how well a model is likely to hold up derived from our latest Annual Car Reliability Survey. We averaged a model's Used Car Verdict for the newest three years, provided the model did not change significantly during that time. Refer to Reliability History for more detailed explanation.

Owner Satisfaction

Indicates percentage of owners surveyed who would definitely purchase the same vehicle again.

Wagons can be smart family haulers, combing sedan efficiency and SUV versatility. Wagons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and costs, with several good models that have performed well in our tests and provedn to be safe and reliable.

Ratings & recommended wagons

Overall wagons (3)

Wagons can be smart family haulers, combing sedan efficiency and SUV versatility. Wagons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and costs, with several good models that have performed well in our tests and provedn to be safe and reliable. Recommended overall wagonsOverall wagon Ratings

Fuel-efficient (1)

With sedan-like handling, affordable pricing, and good fuel-economy, wagons are an appealing alternative to SUVs. The most fuel-efficient wagons tend to be hybrids or diesels, although some four-cylinder wagons excel, as well.Recommended fuel-efficientFuel-efficient Ratings

Small (3)

Small station wagons count among their ranks several fun and frugal models that have performed well in our tests. These cars are great alternatives to a small SUV, with better handling and fuel efficiency. See the best of the small wagons in our Ratings.Recommended smallSmall Ratings

All-wheel drive (5)

By adding all-wheel drive, wagons can replicate the functionality of many car-based SUVs, yet with better fuel economy and road manners. The best AWD wagons are safe, reliable, and perform well in our test. Check the Ratings to see how they rank.Recommended all-wheel driveAll-wheel drive Ratings

Reliable used wagons (11)

Wagons can be smart family haulers, combing sedan efficiency and SUV versatility. Wagons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and costs, with several good models that have performed well in our tests and provedn to be safe and reliable. Recommended reliable used wagonsReliable used wagon Ratings

Recently reviewed wagons

Volvo wagons are a familiar sight near our Connecticut test track. From remarkably preserved 145 "bricks" to the modern-era V60, there's a distinct feeling that Volvos are the official vehicles of the Northeastern landed gentry. But wagons haven't been cool in awhile. Many automakers -- Volvo included -- have elevated the ride height of their five-door vehicles into something vaguely resembling an SUV, but without the off-road chops.

Wagon buying guide

Large, wood-sided station wagons are a thing of the past, but the concept lives on in a small number of practical wagons, luxury wagons, and several small hatchbacks. Wagons are usually based on an equivalent sedan, sharing the sedan's performance and features while adding utility with a rear liftgate and flat-folding rear seats. Some, such as the Audi Allroad, Subaru Outback, and Volvo XC70, have all-wheel drive available and a higher ground clearance that help to make them appealing alternatives to an SUV.